Faculty/staff Issue for May 6, 2026
Today
Wednesday Walks With the Health Hub
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Looking for a group that allows you to connect with others and nature and also improves your health? The Health Hub hosts Wednesday Walks, which provide the opportunity for a walk in Church Hill. Each walk will begin and end at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, and visits different parts of the neighborhood.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Community as Curriculum: When Cultural Solidarity, Critical Care, and Collective Healing Become Pedagogy
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for a Curriculum Conversation via Zoom with Amanda Morales, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/curriculum-conversations/community-as-curriculum-when-cultural-solidarity-critical-care-and-collective-healing-become-pedagogy.html.
Monthly Lunch With Robert Gray, Indigenous Elder in Residence
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center in welcoming Robert Gray, VCU Indigenous Elder in Residence, for the final monthly lunch of the spring semester. The session will be in Room 201, Valentine House, 920 W. Franklin St. Space is limited; RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/co-sponsored/monthly-lunch-with-indigenous-elder-in-residence-robert-gray.html.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Developing Your Voice in the Age of AI
2 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Discuss how to develop and maintain your unique voice in the age of AI. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCUarts Photography + Film Advanced Production Workshop and Documentary 1 Film Screening
3 p.m.
Join the VCUarts Department of Photography + Film for the end of the year screening of student films from the advanced production workshop and Documentary 1 courses at Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. In Advanced Production Workshop, taught by Sasha Waters, the students worked on the film “COLD FOOD” about family memories and echoes of past trauma collide when siblings Winona and Shiloh’s lives are forever changed in an instant. For Documentary 1, taught by Mark Boulos, students created their own short films for the class.
For more information, contact VCUarts Photography + Film at photofilm@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/end-of-the-year-screening-apw-and-doc-1/.
2026 MFA Thesis Film Screening
6 p.m.
VCUarts will host its 2026 MFA Thesis Film Screening series at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. The event will showcase six graduate film works from the departments of Craft/Material Studies, Kinetic Imaging, Photography + Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media. All screenings are free and open to everyone.
For more information, contact VCUarts at arts@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/2026-mfa-thesis-film-screening-3/.
Coming up
Get a Handle on Your Current Student Loan Debt
Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10 a.m.
This workshop will help you find a better way to pay off your student loan debt by introducing you to a number of different repayment approaches, how to use Fidelity’s resources and tools and help determine the next steps for tackling your student debt. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4tBEWBx
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Möbius Training and Feedback Opportunity
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11 a.m.
The recent decommissioning of Lon-Capa has created the opportunity to receive training specific to individual experience and challenges, ask questions and provide feedback on the newly acquired Möbius platform. Join this virtual/online session sponsored by Learning Systems by going to the training.vcu.edu website (keyword: mobius) and registering. For more information about Möbius and how to get started, visit go.vcu.edu/mobius
For more information, contact Jamillah Martin at jpmartin@vcu.edu.
Evening MBA Informational Webinar
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at noon
Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus, or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via Zoom link.
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89842838155.
Executive MBA Informational Session
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 20-month Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration is required – join via the following Zoom link.
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89444494036.
Excellence in Community Engagement Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Division of Community Engagement at VCU invites you to attend the Excellence in Community Engagement Ceremony, an evening dedicated to honoring individuals, teams and community partners who have made a meaningful impact through collaboration and service. Hosted by the Council for Community Engagement, this special event at 900 E. Leigh St. will celebrate those who exemplify a strong commitment to addressing societal challenges through teaching, research and community-focused initiatives. Those who attend will have the opportunity to recognize and applaud outstanding achievements across multiple award categories while connecting with others passionate about community engagement.
For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu.
Advancing Health and Healing Across Traditions – HPV Cancer Prevention, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Jewish Family Services of Richmond
Friday, May 15, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join Facts and Faith Fridays conversation to explore the vital work of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Learn about the innovative education materials and family‑centered resources designed to help children and their caregivers make informed decisions about their health and cancer prevention. The session will also highlight the 175‑year legacy of the Jewish Family Services of Richmond, an organization that has long provided compassionate guidance and support to individuals and families of all ages, faiths and income levels. Through their counseling, care services and adoption programs, JFS continues to strengthen well‑being and foster healing across traditions in the community. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration
For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.
Now Accepting Proposals: 10th Annual VNPC Summit
Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative is accepting proposals for its 10th annual VNPC Summit. Join the session as “10 Years of Impact: Learning, Improving, and Sharing” is celebrated on Oct. 25–26 at the Omni Hotel, 100 S. 12th St. Breakout session presenters and poster submissions are sought that highlight innovative work in maternal and infant health, quality improvement, patient safety and community-centered care. This is an opportunity to share your work, elevate your impact and contribute to advancing outcomes for moms and babies across Virginia. Questions: https://govnpc.org Submit your application by Friday, May 15 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shannon Pursell at shannon.pursell@vcuhealth.org or visit https://forms.gle/hPCtqJoLgv8b6L5A8.
Notices
Spring 2026 Final Grades Due at Noon May 12
Grade sheets are now available on faculty eServices. Grades are due by noon on Tuesday, May 12 at which time grade entry will no longer be available. It is imperative to meet this deadline to complete all end-of-the-semester processes. Faculty may choose to use the feature to upload grades from an Excel file into eServices; or the Ellucian Grade Passback in Canvas. Faculty may only access grade sheets for courses to which they have been assigned.
For more information, contact Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.
Join a VCU Choir This Fall
VCU Department of Music invites students to register for choir for the upcoming academic year. Three ensembles are available: Commonwealth Singers, Choral Arts Society and Vox Concordia. All choirs are open to all students, regardless of major, and meet during the day for course credit. Students may register through eServices during enrollment. Learn more at the following URL.
For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#vocal-ensembles.
Thriving Communities Research Pilot Grant Program: Request for Proposals
The Thriving Communities Research Pilot Grant Program, offered by VCU’s Division of Community Engagement, provides up to $25,000 in seed funding for community-engaged research projects across all disciplines. The program is designed to support VCU faculty and research staff in piloting community-engaged research projects that respond to community-identified needs. The submission deadline is 6 p.m. Friday, May 15. See the request for proposals at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/resources/grants/thriving-communities-pilot-grant/.
Join the Community-Engaged Research Scholars Collaborative (CERSC)
This collaborative offers a dynamic opportunity for tenure-track faculty to connect across disciplines and strengthen community-engaged research. All sessions will be held in person and focus on peer exchange and shared learning from September 2026 to May 2027. Those who complete the program will receive a $1,000 stipend in support of professional development. Apply at the following URL by Friday, May 29.
For more information, contact Division of Community Engagement at engage@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/cersc/.
Follow VCU HR on Social Media
Stay connected to the many supportive programs and resources provided by VCU HR by following their social media platforms. Daily posts share reminders and updates that can enhance your workplace experience and strengthen your connections to the VCU community. Follow on Facebook (vcuhumanresources), Instagram (vcuhumanresources) and X (@VCUHR)
For more information, contact Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu.
How-to-Apply Workshops (May and June)
Join the National Scholarship Office for one of its four free five-part workshop series that prepares participants to tackle applications for postgraduate scholarships, fellowships and research opportunities. This program is an approved REAL Level 2 experience, and is recommender for juniors, seniors and graduate students. Workshop dates are May 11-22 (MWF, MF), 2-4 p.m. or Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 9–23, 5–7 p.m. Register for the May or June workshop at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar/2025/12/08/nso-events-s26/.
Call for DAAC Leadership Applications
The Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus (DAAC) is accepting applications for leadership positions for the upcoming academic year. Become involved in advancing accessibility on campus through initiatives like working with Transportation, planning Disability Advocacy Week and developing resources for student organizations. Students from all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply.
For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or (703) 314-2515 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf25xZ7LBSZKkM2thuty4pmIKkNSWe967Gr5gU3mZzam4L35A/viewform.
Proposals Sought for 2026-27 Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs
VCU's Global Education Office invites proposals for faculty-led study abroad programs for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Learn more about the timeline and next steps via GEO's faculty resources website (including a recording from the April 24 proposal webinar event) at the following URL. Questions: Email abroad@vcu.edu to connect with Amy Leap and/or Stephanie Tignor.
For more information, contact Amy Leap at leapae@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/faculty-resources.
Research Study: Are You Experiencing a Runny Nose, Congestion, Headache or Facial Pressure?
Researchers with VCU are looking for participants, 18-75, who may be experiencing sinus infection symptoms to participate in the NOSES study. The purpose of the study is to determine the best treatments for individuals with acute sinus infection symptoms and to identify which patient populations respond best to different treatments. You may be eligible to participate if you have sinus symptoms lasting for less than three weeks. What’s involved? A virtual visit with a study doctor and team member. A two-minute daily symptom survey. A free saline nasal rinse kit delivered to you plus a $20 gift card at enrollment. If symptoms last longer than nine days, randomly assigned to receive antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, both or neither, with the opportunity to receive additional compensation. Study participants will be compensated for their time (up to $160). To learn more, contact the NOSES study team at the following email address.
For more information, contact Gaby Villalobos at s2gvilla@vcu.edu or (804) 659-1287 or visit https://NosesStudy.georgetown.edu/.
Participants Needed for Brain Imaging Study
The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand decision-making processes in adults struggling with an excessive need for control, perfectionism and/or productivity. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study. See the screening questions at the following URL.
For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.
Still Serving Through Science: Join VCU’s HERO Concussion Study
If you have worn the uniform and now call VCU home, this is for you. Whether you are student, faculty or staff, we want you to be a part of the HERO Study – a clinical trial funded by the Department of Defense. We are studying a noninvasive technique that may help people with a history of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) who still suffer from lingering effects. Be part of a federally funded initiative to transform care for military service personnel. Get financial compensation for your time and commitment. Your best interests will be at the forefront of all study obligations, including flexible scheduling and confidential participation. Questions: https://hero-study.org/ Help shape the future of brain health - for yourself and for others. See if you qualify at the following URL:
For more information, contact HERO Study at herostudy@vcu.edu or (804) 827-9692 or visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=K8NKJ4R4FMRLWFPK__;!!JqxBPMk!jgUGXYh7OrV.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Postmenopausal Females Are Invited For Study the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
This study is seeking postmenopausal females to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise training on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Heat Therapy on Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.